Youthlife event to mark World Mental Health Day

Derry-based Youthlife will host an open evening tomorrow, Wednesday, October 10, to mark World Mental Health Day 2012.

Young people and parents are invited to call into the Youthlife centre at 23 Bishop Street between 5pm and 7pm for a chat, advice or just to find out about the services they provide. Refreshments will be provided on the night

The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is “Depression: A Global Crisis”.

Research from across the UK evidences the increase in mental health problems amongst adolescents. This is also supported by the World Health Organisation who state the fastest growing mental health problems in the world are among adolescents.

The time-trends study in Adolescent Mental Health reported emotional problems such as anxiety and depression have increased by 70% amongst adolescents.

Youthlife has been supporting children and young people through bereavement and loss for 20 years and are committed to continuing this work and reaching disaffected young people through their recently developed ‘Opting In’ project.

Young people spend much of their time escaping to a virtual reality world through the popularity of mobiles, social media and online gaming.

The serious risks and consequences of these are highlighted constantly through the media.

In the off-line world young people need support to address the difficulties they are facing from low self-esteem to suicidal ideation.

The Opting In Project, which includes a Youth Health Café, was developed to help promote the emotional and social well-being of young people and to provide a safe space to meet and develop new friendships.

Youthlife have just launched their new autumn programme too, details of which will be available tomorrow evening or by contacting Youthlife at 23 Bishop Street, Derry. Telephone: 71 377227, mobile: 07912507388, email: youthlife.info@gmail.com; or online at: www.youthlife.org